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Head of Operations

London Temporary View Job Description
Working closely with the Director and senior leadership team, the post-holder will oversee business operations, finance, governance, people management and strategic planning, enabling researchers and professional services colleagues to achieve ambitious objectives. This is a highly visible position requiring a commercially minded and collaborative leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery.
  • Shape the future of world-class research
  • Lead strategy, people and operational excellence

About Our Client

Our client is a prestigious, internationally recognised social science research centre based within a leading UK university. With a reputation for academic excellence and global reach, the organisation is entering an exciting phase of growth and development and is seeking an exceptional operational leader to support its continued success.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the operational management of the research centre, ensuring efficient and effective business processes.
  • Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the centre's long-term objectives.
  • Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and resource allocation.
  • Ensure compliance with university policies, funding requirements and relevant regulatory frameworks.
  • Manage governance processes, reporting cycles and committee activities.
  • Lead and develop professional services staff, fostering a high-performance and inclusive culture.
  • Support grant management and research funding activities in collaboration with academic colleagues.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across systems, processes and working practices.
  • Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including funding bodies, partners and collaborators.
  • Identify operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
  • Support strategic projects, organisational change initiatives and business planning activities.

The Successful Applicant

Person Specification:

  • Significant experience in a senior operational, business management or professional services leadership role.
  • Experience of managing budgets, financial planning and resource management.
  • Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
  • Experience of governance, compliance and risk management processes.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
  • Experience within higher education, research institutes or grant-funded environments.

What's on Offer

  • Opportunity to contribute to research with significant societal impact.
  • Influential leadership role within a high-profile and respected organisation.
  • Collaborative and intellectually stimulating working environment.
  • Exposure to internationally recognised academics and research networks.
  • Broad remit with genuine opportunity to shape strategy and operations.
  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
Contact
Daniel Cronin
Quote job ref
JN-072026-7059891
Phone number
+44 207 269 2217

Job summary

Job function
Business Support
Subsector
Public Sector & Not For Profit
Sector
Not For Profit
Location
London
Contract type
Temporary
Consultant name
Daniel Cronin
Consultant phone
+44 207 269 2217
Job reference
JN-072026-7059891